Donald Flodine Nelson, 92, formerly of 299 Seaward Ave., passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Chapel Ridge where he had resided for the past seven years.
Born December 14, 1921 in Bradford, the youngest son of Levi John and Elsie Amelia (Carlson) Nelson.
By the age of 10 both of his parents had died, and he and his brother were raised separately in different towns by relatives. He was adopted by his aunt and uncle Maude and William Nelson and raised in Bradford along with their daughter, Joyce Nelson Book, whom he always looked upon as a sister.
Donald attended local schools and the Westbrook Business School in Olean.
He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and served in North Africa, Corsica, Italy, France and Germany.
On April 21, 1948 in Bradford he married Jean Kathryn Mealy who preceded him in death on November 10, 2005.
He and his brother operated an office supply business locally for a few years. He had also worked for Neilly's Ice Cream in Bradford and later for Sealtest Dairy in Olean. He shared an interest in Nelson Jeweler's in Bradford which he owned with his wife.
In his youth, Donald exhibited a talent for drawing, a trait that he passed down to some of his children and grandchildren. He had great interest in history and was a member of the McKean County Historical Society. He was also a member of the American Legion. For a number of years, he was also and avid stamp collector. Donald continued to share his wife's love of bird watching until his death, keeping a bird feeder filled daily outside his window of his apartment at Chapel Ridge.
After the passing of his wife, Donald sustained a traumatic injury, and following surgery, convalesced at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Once his rehabilitation was complete, he was able to transfer to more independent living at Chapel Ridge. He had many nice things to say about those who attended to his care in both facilities, and when introducing them to his children, often followed the introduction with " This is another one of my angels".
Surviving are three daughters, Donna Nelson and her husband, Bart Farmer and Barbara Morrow and her husband, Steven, all of Doylestown, Susie Bagnato and her husband, Michael, of Bradford; one son, William Nelson and his wife, Marilyn of Mesa, AZ; seven grandchildren, Sarie Bridge, Matthew Nelson, Nikki Gawron, Jayme Nelson, Sean Morrow, Ryan Morrow and Jared Nelson and seven great grandchildren, one sister Joyce Nelson Book.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother Robert Forest Nelson and one sister Joyce Nelson Book.
At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation. Private funeral services will be held in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., with Rev. Tom Verner, pastor of The First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to Care for Children or the Susan K. Ryan Hospice Fund at The Bradford Hospital Foundation, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com